North East defies rebel threats, marks I-Day with fanfare

The 72nd Independence Day was celebrated across the northeast despite the boycott call given by Ulfa (I) and other rebel outfits of the region.

TNN | Aug 17, 2018, 10:30 IST

An Independence Day parade in Agartala

GUWAHATI/SHILLONG/AGARTALA/ITANAGAR: The 72nd Independence Day was celebrated across the northeast despite the boycott call given by Ulfa (I) and other rebel outfits of the region.
Hoisting the tricolour at the Khanapara Veterinary College Ground in Guwahati on Wednesday, Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal reiterated that the BJP-led government will make all efforts to protect the rights and safety of all indigenous people of the state. Thanking everyone in the state for the release of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) final draft, he said, "I want to thank everyone for maintaining peace and harmony in the state defeating all the evil and divisive forces. Our government is committed to make Assam a foreigner-free state and NRC is a step towards that goal. Peace and brotherhood among all is the prime object of our government."

Sonowal also hailed the state government's effort of making a greener Assam on the occasion of Independence Day. "Our goal is to plant at least 10 crore plants in the state and we have planted 4.5 crore so far." He also vowed to make the state 'corruption-less' and 'militancy-less' by taking stern action against them.

Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Kongkal Sangma paid glowing tributes to the legendary tribal patriots on the occasion of I-Day at the Polo Grounds in Shillong. "We remember and recollect with a strong sense of pride the personal contributions by the patriots of our own state - U Tirot Sing, U Kiang Nongbah and Pa Togan Sangma, and other patriots of our tribes for their selflessness and dedication in their struggle against colonial rule," Conrad said in his maiden I-Day speech as chief minister.

He also highlighted the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Azad, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhai Patel and others who provided leadership to liberate the country from foreign rule.

Conrad, who will contest the August 23 by-election to the South Tura assembly constituency did not speak about any achievement of his government or announce any scheme or development programme in keeping with the Election Commission's model code of conduct.

Stressing that great nations are built with the contribution and hardwork of one and all, he, however, said violence in any form undermines this progress. "The path of peace and reconciliation can be difficult, but we must persist, as this alone will enable our state and our nation to develop and progress," he said. He also appealed to all citizens to hold on steadfastly to democratic values and progress through discussions and negotiations.

Unfurling the tricolour in Agartala, Tripura chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb reiterated that his government would fulfil all promises made in the BJP vision document before the last assembly election.

He said, "My target is to make Tripura the wealthiest state in the country, free from corruption and drug addiction and to make it a crime-free peaceful state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target to make India the strongest nation in all ways by 2022 and the state government also wants to be a partner of his vision," Deb said.

Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu exhorted the citizens of the state to join hands with the government for successful implementation of all developmental programmes and policies undertaken.

Unfurling the tricolour at Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar, Khandu said his government's philosophy has been inspired by Deen Dayal Upadhayay's vision of 'Antyodaya', a process of all-inclusive growth, where the government reaches out to the last man.

"My dream is to make Arunachal a state where the youth are not job seekers but job givers by making the state a centre for entrepreneurship. I wish to make the state the tourist destination of India and to bring the best health facilities," he said.

All Comments ()+^ Back to Top

Characters Remaining: 3000

Continue without login

or

Login from existing account

FacebookGoogleEmail

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive. Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.